Abstract: A method of making a frangible, non-toxic projectile is described in which substantially pure bismuth metal is melted, a quantity of the bismuth metal is poured into a mold, the bismuth metal is cooled to form a substantially bismuth metal core, the core is swaged in a profile die having a bleed hole of about 0.020 inch to about 0.038 inch in diameter, and the core is electroplated. The swaging may eliminate substantially a surface irregularity. The projectile may be releasably disposed in a cartridge along with a propellant and a primer, in which the primer ignites the propellant upon contact with a firing pin. The cartridge may itself be releasably disposed within a barrel of a firearm.